Work in Progress 2

People take for granted today the many freedoms that did not exist in the past. Nowadays, different races can use the same facilities, enjoy the right to vote, be recognized as equals, and much more. And women have come a long way as well - with the ability to vote, seek a greater education, work toward career goals, etc. It is quite amazing once you really think about the advances that have been made in both aspects of inequality's past and present state.

When I hear of racism or gender inequality today, however, I wonder why the individuals involved are still stuck in the dark ages. Stories like the Jena 6 make me sick. Did those white people that hung the nooses in the tree really grow up in the same country and same decade as me? And did the black students who beat the white student (who wasn't even involved in the noose-hanging incident) even think about the consequences of their actions, or did they just act on animal instinct like they see in video games and media, thinking that violence is normal, acceptable, and necessary? It makes me wonder--what makes some people think violence and racism are acceptable in today's world? I realize that society's moral standards have gone down, but haven't we at least moved on in the department of race relations? I would venture to say that the majority of the country has moved on, so what went wrong in the minds of those people involved in the Jena 6 story and other similar cases of racial tension? It truly baffles me.

People who commit violence or unfairly treat other races should suffer equal consequences - no matter what their gender or race is. For the Jena 6 issue, I think both the white students who hung the nooses and the black students who beat the innocent white student should be punished to the fullest extent of the law - not only as a consequence for their actions, but also to serve as an example and a warning to other potential "thugs" in an effort to prevent such occurrences in the future. Violence like that which took place in the Jena 6 case should be punished severely. The black students had nothing but hate in their hearts as they kicked one helpless guy until he was out like a light. As for the white people who put up the nooses...they should be put in jail for a hate crime. What is wrong with these people? Seriously?!

Besides the instances dealing with racial tension, we still have gender issues today that we are trying to deal with. These days, men and women compete for the same careers and overall goals in life. So why would a man be offended if a woman makes more than he does or visa versa? It's not because it's only one gender's role to win the bread for the family, it's because both men and women are competitive. We both feel the need to win--whether we're striving for the best job, the highest paycheck, or even trying to be the one who pays for a nice dinner. In the past, men grew up with the idea that it was their job to provide for the family. Today, I think there is a slight change in that kind of upbringing, but I hope that it will continue to change for a more 'woman-accepting' upbringing. It's important for young men to learn that women can contribute to a conversation, a relationship, or a business as well as any man.

Even in 2007, we still have a bit to go with the progress of an equal man/woman and race society.